USL mourns passing of former Hershey GM Todd Smith
Monday, January 5, 2004
TAMPA, FL -- Former Hershey Wildcats general manager Todd Smith passed away in Boston from complications of Leukemia last Wednesday at the age of 38.
After seven seasons playing in the NPSL, Smith joined the expansion Hershey Wildcats in the A-League as general manager in 1997 and was an immediate success on and off the field, earning the A-League Executive of the Year honor in his first season. The club won the Atlantic Division and was second overall in the league at 19-9 on the regular season.
"We will all miss Todd Smith very much," said USL CEO Dave Askinas. "He was smart, talented, a fierce competitor and a friend to all who knew him. You could disagree with Todd on an issue but it would never become personal. His contributions to USL and to soccer in this country will not be forgotten."
The team's success over the first three years, a 55-29 season record, two division titles and an appearance in the 1999 semifinals, allowed him to move on to serve as general manager of the New England Revolution in 2000.
"Truly one of the gentlemen in the game, Todd's impact on the development of the A-League and lasting influence on his peers cannot be overstated," said Tim Holt, Director of USL League and A-League Operations.
In November of 2002, Smith was honored with the USL's Archie Moylan Courage Award for his courage in battling Leukemia while continuing to serve as general manager of the Revolution.
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